I have CH Products 568 Combatstick USB. It's a bit expensive but a very good stick. Works well with X-Plane. I have also CH Products Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals, which makes flying much more enjoyable and realistic, but all three would make a very expensive gift.

You said that your friend is a real pilot, what kind of planes he likes to fly? The reason I'm asking is that from X-Plane.org forums I've gathered that many real general aviation pilots seem to prefer yokes instead of sticks. But of course a stick is good for wider variety of aircraft, especially for helicopters and fighters, but naturally other types too.

If he's after a joystick, I'd heartily recommend the Saitek X52. If he's after something more general aviation, get him a yoke setup. Can't go wrong with the unholy amounts of axis on the X52, though Only the latest version of X-Plane 8 actually supports them all.

"If a bunch of actual adults suddenly found themselves trapped in high school, the first thing they'd do is form a union and renegotiate all the rules with the administration." Paul Walker

I wouldn't buy a twist grip joystick, since you said that you want realism for the controller. At least I haven't heard of a real plane that uses twist grip. I'm supposing that twist grip versions are generally a little more expensive too, because of this extra exis. For as realistic simulator flying experience as possible your friend needs to get rudder pedals with differential toe braking, such as CH Pro Pedals.

Of course, I understand that there are situations where a twist grip stick is a good solution: such as needing the money (that pedals would cost) for better purposes and I admit that the pedals don't necessarily look good under my desk (wife agrees to this ) especially if one has limited space.

So, for an entry level controller a twist grip stick might be a good solution after all - not knowing the situation... He could always upgrade to pedals later on and in such a case he could easily leave the twist axis ignored in X-Plane settings. Best solution would be to ask him directly what he desires, if that is possible. But it wouldn't be a surprise gift anymore, would it?

Hope I didn't make it any more complicated than it already is...

By the way, you could always check x-plane.org's hardware forum, there's been some discussion about what might be the optimal joystick for X-Plane and possible problems with certain types etc:http://forums.x-plan...hp?showforum=14

If he's after a joystick, I'd heartily recommend the Saitek X52. If he's after something more general aviation, get him a yoke setup. Can't go wrong with the unholy amounts of axis on the X52, though Only the latest version of X-Plane 8 actually supports them all.

Could I ask what OS your running? I wasn't aware the Saitek X52 worked on a Mac.

I've been told (not verified) that the Saitek X52 also works on the Mac. However as far as I know, the Saitek software is not Mac compatible. But if you play a game like X-Plane which has jostick configuration built into the game, then it does not matter.

I have CH Products 568 Combatstick USB. It's a bit expensive but a very good stick. Works well with X-Plane. I have also CH Products Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals, which makes flying much more enjoyable and realistic, but all three would make a very expensive gift.

You said that your friend is a real pilot, what kind of planes he likes to fly? The reason I'm asking is that from X-Plane.org forums I've gathered that many real general aviation pilots seem to prefer yokes instead of sticks. But of course a stick is good for wider variety of aircraft, especially for helicopters and fighters, but naturally other types too.

He currently flies a B2 stealth bomber and F14 Tomcat . . .

Actually some sort of Cessna type and he just went to N.C. to look/buy a stunt plane. I know, not real technical. He isn't the type to play games but I think if he had this with a realistic experience, it might win him over. Thanks for the advice.

I've gathered that many real general aviation pilots seem to prefer yokes instead of sticks. But of course a stick is good for wider variety of aircraft, especially for helicopters and fighters, but naturally other types too.

I personally hate yokes, even after flying Cessnas. Feels too much like I'm driving a flying car.

A stick is the way to go, at least in my opinion. Just feels more comfortable and natural for a 3-axis environment. Not to mention it's MUCH better for rotorcraft. Flying a chopper with a yoke = ye gods.

I've been told (not verified) that the Saitek X52 also works on the Mac. However as far as I know, the Saitek software is not Mac compatible. But if you play a game like X-Plane which has jostick configuration built into the game, then it does not matter.

-Hunt'n

Hell, I'll verify it. I fly Warbirds regularly with it All the functionality is there, it's a HID compliant device. What you don't get, though, is the software integration of the LCD screen and the ability to adjust the brightness of the LEDs. Other than that, any compatability problems are with the game, not the stick.

"If a bunch of actual adults suddenly found themselves trapped in high school, the first thing they'd do is form a union and renegotiate all the rules with the administration." Paul Walker